Wilde, Ocar.

8vo, author's edition, number 46 of 220 copies signed by Wilde, decorated title-page and endpapers designed by Charles Ricketts, original pale violet cloth boards with gilt lettering and "The Seven Trees" designs by Ricketts, front endpaper slightly torn, some minor browning, missing small piece at the head of the spine, very slight spotting to cloth boards, but still a bright copy

Mason 309

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The only signed edition of Oscar Wilde's "Poems".

The edition is composed of the sheets of David Bogue's fifth edition (1882), with the first two preliminary leaves replaced by a new half-title (with limitation notice on the reverse) and decorated title-page. Elkin Mathews and John Lane entered into partnership in January 1892; this was the first book published under their joint imprint.

In November 1891, Wilde wrote to Elkin Mathews about this edition: "I think that as the edition will be limited each copy should be signed by the author. This will give a special character to the edition" (Complete Letters, p.494). Charles Ricketts, whose "Seven Trees" designs were used for the cover, had first met Wilde in August 1889 and was described by him then as "very cultivated and interesting" (Complete Letters, p.410). His designs were used for many of Wilde's books from The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) onwards.